Gingham became one of the most recognisable patterns of French summer fashion during the 1950s and remains closely associated with the playful side of Riviera style.

Its place in fashion history is strongly connected with Brigitte Bardot. She wore gingham both on and off screen and famously chose a pink-and-white gingham dress for her 1959 wedding to Jacques Charrier. At a time when checks were still strongly associated with everyday cotton clothing, Bardot helped give the pattern a younger and more fashionable identity.

The Riviera proved a natural setting for it. Small checks work particularly well on structured bikinis, high-waisted bottoms, sundresses and fitted tops, combining a graphic pattern with silhouettes associated with mid-century summer fashion.

Black and white gives gingham a classic appearance, while pink, blue, yellow and red create a softer or more playful result. The scale of the check also changes its character, from small traditional gingham to larger checks with a stronger visual impact.

Swimwear shows why the pattern has lasted particularly well. A gingham bikini can reference the 1950s without requiring an entirely vintage outfit. High-waisted bottoms, supportive tops and simple accessories allow the pattern to be interpreted in a contemporary way.

Combined with round sunglasses, a headscarf, espadrilles or a woven beach bag, gingham remains an unmistakable reference to the decades that helped establish the French Riviera as an international fashion destination.

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